CBSE Makes 3rd Language Compulsory from Class 6; Part of Board Exam by 2031
CBSE has made a third language mandatory from Class 6 starting 2026–27 under NEP; affiliated schools must begin teaching within 7 days using available materials before textbooks are issued
April 10, 2026 - In a major curriculum overhaul, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has made teaching a third language (R3) compulsory from Class 6 in its schools from the 2026-27 academic session. According to an official circular issued on Thursday (April 9), all affiliated schools must implement the addition and teaching of the third language within seven days. CBSE has said its regional offices will monitor the rollout to ensure compliance.
This initiative is a move towards a phased transition toward a full-fledged three-language model in secondary education.
The Board has made it clear that even though the curriculum materials are not available yet, teaching must start without delay using “locally available books/materials” till official textbooks are issued. The circular says, “The textbooks… will be made available shortly. However, schools are directed to start teaching R3 from Class 6 immediately”.
Textbooks and learning materials are being developed in collaboration with the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT), as per reports, and will be made available in the next few weeks.
Under the National Education Policy (NEP), regional languages are included as the third language alongside Hindi and English. According to the NEP, students must choose three languages of which at least two should be Indian languages, while the third can be English or any foreign language.
CBSE believes that mandating a third language will encourage multilingualism, enhance students’ language skills, cultural understanding and promote national unity.
The third language will be mandatory from Class 6 to 8. In Class 9 and 10, it will be offered as an optional subject. From the next academic session, it is also planned to be included in Classes 11 and 12. The compulsory third language will eventually become a part of the Class 10 Board exam by 2031 when the current Class 6 batch reaches Class 10.
CBSE schools have been told to declare their respective third language on the OASIS portal.
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